The Gaylord Texan Resort is six miles from DFW Airport and light years away from average. The Gaylord Texan is a total resort with dining, shops, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness center, and pretty much everything you need to have a wonderful time all within the resort. Do find time to tear yourself away and explore Grapevine while here. For some of what Grapevine offers go here.
You never have to worry about weather as the
4.5 acres of lush indoor gardens and Riverwalk are covered and
climate controlled. Young travelers can pop down the rabbit hole
with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or enjoy Paradise Springs with
pool and lazy river from Memorial Day through Labor Day, if your are
there from mid-
November through December, there is Lone Star Christmas where kids
get to meet Santa and crew, The complex model railroad that wends
its way around the atrium grounds will wow kids as well as adults.
 |
| The model train really caught my eye |
From my almost instantaneous check in to opening the door to my room, I was a happy camper. Although, viewing my spacious room, I saw no resemblance to my tiny camper. My room was furnished with two queen sized beds, a huge TV, a refrigerator, a desk and a balcony opening over the Lone Star Atrium.
 |
| My very comfy room |
Catastrophe befell when I discovered I had forgotten to pack my USB plug. I went downstairs to look for a shop. There were dozens but I approached the concierge to find where best to start my search. She solved my problem with a loan of one within minutes. Later when I was checking out and returned it and she learned I was going to be on the road several more days touring Abilene and San Angelo, she gifted me with the precious plug. She has my eternal thanks. There is nothing worse than not being able to charge all your electronics.
 |
| One of the many eye catchers in the atrium |
Problem solved, I now had time to explore the Gaylord Texan. Fortunately the front desk person had given me a map. You need one to find your way around. You can get lost between the convention center and your room. It has 9 floors, 1,384 rooms, 127 suites and that's not counting the meeting rooms and convention center. That's the only downside to this place other than costs for parking and higher room rates than a less lush hotel but you expect to pay more for a place like this.
 |
| Love the way they created so many different landscape scenes |
A Texas-sized star in the glass enclosed roof of the atrium just shouts "Texas." The atrium represents three regions of Texas: the Hill Country, the Lone Star and the Riverwalk. They are filled with lush gardens; a replica of the Alamo and Texas-style buildings that house restaurants and other facilities. The Riverwalk is the most peaceful area with its rushing stream and lots of greenery.
When it comes to food and drink there are lots of choices here. The Riverside Cantina is designed to give the feeling of being in San Antonio on the Riverwalk. Food here is Tex-Mex. You can dine inside or outside next to the "river."
 |
| Dining at the Mission Plaza Marketplace is like being in old Mexico |
Texas Station Sports Bar caught my eye because it resembles an old west train station form the 19th century. It serves traditional American food, burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches with a decent all around menu and a well stocked bar weather you want beer, wine of a cocktail. The sports bar image is carried out with a 52' screen TV.
Old Hickory Steakhouse naturally specializes in steak. It's got a reputation of having some of the best steaks in Texas.
Zeppole Coastal Italian is the spot for dining under the stars—actually the lone star—and enjoying Italian wine and seafood. The strings of overhead lights give the feeling of a festival in old Italy.
Mission Plaza Marketplace and Cocoa Bean Express are you choice for a coffee bar.
Glass Cactus Nightclub was the only one where I actually got to eat and drink. It was a real treat. Food was set up buffet style at different stations and all that I sampled were delicious. No matter what yu drink I bet you can get it here. The bar is extensive. The dance floor and stage are the real highlights here. Literally. Lighting changes and offers a dreamy hi-tech experience. They book top acts too.
 |
 |
| Never know what you will find in the atrium | Never know who you'll meet at Glass Cactus |
Texans say, "Everything is bigger in Texas" but are countered with non-Texans replying, "Bigger isn't always better." When it comes to the Gaylord Texas, not only is it bigger; it is better.
Check this out if you are planning your own Weekend Getaway?
For more info:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalgt-gaylord-texan-resort-and-convention-center/